Wicks Wins Q-School Central Tourney

San Antonio, Texas— After a strenuous week at TPC San Antonio, David Wicks held his ground on Saturday afternoon at the opening Mackenzie Tour Q-School event of the 2019 season, shooting a final-round 72 to claim medallist honours and a full exemption through the 2019 Mackenzie Tour season.

With play delayed by fog for the third-time, the leaders would eventually tee off at 1:30 PM as Case Cochran, who entered the day three-strokes back of the lead, looked to put a dent in Wicks’ armour.

David Wicks. Photo: Mackenzie Tour.

Despite making bogey on the first, Wicks was able to right the ship, making two birdies on the difficult front nine to enter the back side, which he had played 13-under for the week, at even par.

The rest of the way, Wicks cruised, making three bogeys, offset by two bogeys, to finish the week with an even-par 72.

“The game has felt solid all week, almost everything about it, but driving the ball I haven’t kept it in play often enough,” said the Englishman. “The last 36 holes I hit eight fairways, so that just shows I was scrambling well and putting nicely, but when I hit the fairways, I was making birdies. My driving has been so great recently, I’m not worried about it.

The win gives the Jacksonville University alum the ability to plan his own schedule, a luxury Wicks has yet to have in his professional career.

“I was having to go through the process to get a VISA to stay in the country, and it all got approved maybe three days before the event,” said Wicks. “I signed up for the tournament not even knowing if I would be allowed to play in Canada this summer.

“The whole transition, and professional golf being so different than amateur golf. Q-Schools are not cheap, so it was a rough year, but we got through it and I’m ready.”

Four players will return on Sunday morning for a four-for-one playoff for six guaranteed starts: Zach Cabra, Zachary Burry, Jonathan Barnes and Zach Partin.

Key Information
•In 2017, David Wicks was selected to represent Europe on the Arnold Palmer Cup team. At the event, he earned the Michael Carter Award, given to the player on each team who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship, integrity and upholding the game.
•After an opening-round 76, Grady Brame Jr. will enter his third-consecutive season on the Mackenzie Tour, firing 68 to place T10.
•Former college roommates at Clemson University Doc Redman and Bryson Nimmer took care of business on Saturday, firing 68 and 67 respectively, to earn guaranteed starts.
•Juan Diego Fernandez has played 40 PGA TOUR Latinoamerica events from 2012-2018, with 2016 his best season, making six cuts. He ends his week 69-68 to earn guaranteed starts.
•After already making a deuce earlier in his round on hole No. 17, Andrew Paysse, who began the day on the back-nine, had 181-yards into his final hole of the day. Not able to see the hole from where he struck the shot from, the group arrived at the green to see a pitch mark but no ball, as Paysse jarred the shot.

Quotable

“It’s awesome. It’s been the hardest year of my life golf wise, just the uncertainty, I’ve played maybe four events in the past year if you count Q-schools, so it means so much. I’m not really sure how to put it in words, but it’s been a tough year and I set out to win this week and I achieved it.” – David Wicks

“You’ve have to back yourself in golf. I’ve backed myself and the feeling is there that I can win. There were 119 good players out there, but I just had to trust that my game plan was good enough to get me on top at the end of the week. There were definitely some cracks showing late in the round, but we came through.” – David Wicks

“I haven’t ever had the ability to make a schedule, and not having a VISA, it’s been impossible. The next thing is to gather some funds and get sharp and maybe play some mini tour events and get sharp for the Mackenzie Tour.” – David Wicks

“I’m super excited to play the Mackenzie Tour. I feel like my game has improved where I can go to Mackenzie Tour and move onto the Web and go with the progression. There’s a clear path to get where you want and you have to work hard and put yourself in a position to work hard, and that’s what I’m doing.” – Case Cochran

“I’m very happy with my game. I would love to make a few more putts, but who wouldn’t. I hit the ball close this week and only missed three greens the first three rounds, so it was pretty unbelievable ball striking through the first three days.” – Case Cochran

“If I’m able to play on the Mackenzie Tour, that would be awesome. It was an up-and-down week. I had some good rounds and one awful one the second round. So, I’m just grateful for the opportunity and to have the chance to play up there.” – Andrew Paysse